$10,000 Stake to be Awarded to Top Business Plan in Competition

Palm Beach Atlantic University will get closer to the answer as the J.J.’s Entrepreneurs business plan competition kicks off its second year with an informational meeting at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Business leaders J.J. Prendamano, general manager, and Ray Titus, CEO, both of United Franchise Group (UFG) will share details about the business plan competition at an open meeting in MacArthur Hall Room 1291 and 1292. All currently enrolled Palm Beach Atlantic University undergraduate day, evening and graduate students are eligible to enter. A screening committee, made up of local business owners and PBA staff members, will select the top two business plans in March. One business plan team will be awarded $10,000 and a second will receive $5,000 to launch their business ventures.

From left, Ray Titus, CEO, both of United Franchise Group, Jared Stresen-Reuter and UFG General Manager J.J. Prendamano. Reuter was the first winner in the J.J.'s Entrepreneurs competition.

Jared Stresen-Reuter was the first recipient of the top prize in the 2012 J.J.’s Entrepreneurs business plan competition. Stresen-Reuter’s winning idea was for a social media website, Toodol, which allows its users to post local events telling, explaining and even showing details about that event in their area. Toodol launched in September 2012.

UFG, a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise organization, established a partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2011 to help student entrepreneurs start their own business ventures by contributing, mentoring and funding. Called J.J.’s Entrepreneurs, the program was developed to encourage and teach students about the benefits of entrepreneurship and owning their own business.

Students participating in the competition are mentored by business leaders Prendamano and Titus, who together have more than 75 years experience in franchise industries. The J.J.’s Entrepreneur program was created to honor J.J. Prendamano for his commitment as a mentor who helps new owners become successful and thrive within the UFG franchise system.

United Franchise Group, the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, IZON Global Media, Plan Ahead Events, SuperGreen Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

For information, contact Mary Jacobs, director of Parent Relations and Special Projects.